Post and coupling combination

ABSTRACT

A post and coupling combination is disclosed. The combination includes a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post&#39;s longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/694,964, filed Oct. 24, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to posts, and more particularly to a post and coupling combination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A fence physically dividing two areas requires a framing system generally comprised of posts secured to a base or the ground, and rails secured to the posts to support barrier material to physically separate areas for a variety of purposes including providing privacy, marking property boundaries and protecting or securing an area from outside access. Ideally, since the fence frame provides the foundation of the fence it needs to be strong for most purposes, aesthetically pleasing in many cases and easy to assemble.

[0004] Multi-component systems have been designed to allow rails and posts to interconnect. U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,489, Van Riper filed Aug. 13, 1973 discloses a fence frame that includes a multi-component system that joins posts and rails. The connector used to join the posts to the rails, however, is somewhat awkward to use as it requires a component of the connector to be inserted into the hollow of the post where it must be manually positioned such that the outside joining portion of the connector can be fastened to the internal component to secure the connector to the post.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,860, Parisien filed Nov. 19, 1976 discloses a connector that joins a rail and a post to structure a fence frame by hooking an S-shaped arm over the top of the post thereby connecting a channel on the external part of the rail to the post. While this system is easier to assemble than the system discussed above in the '489 patent since no additional parts are required to allow the connector to join the post and rail beyond the S-shaped arm noted, it is a highly restrictive assembly. That is, the relative position of the rail along the post is determined by the middle length of the S-shaped arm. Further adjustments of the rail along the post cannot be made practically, either during construction or over the lifetime of the fence. The relative position of the rail is, for all practical purposes, set for the lifetime of the fence.

[0006] What is needed is a fence frame that is easy to assemble and adjustable along the length of the post before and after final assembly.

[0007] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved post.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a post and coupling combination. The combination includes a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.

[0009] In an aspect of the present invention, the post end of the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the at least one channel in the post. In an aspect of the present invention, the protrusions complement the shape of the re-entrant portions of the at least one channel in the post. In an aspect of the present invention, the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.

[0010] In an aspect of the present invention, the attachable component end of the coupling has a second spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the attachable component.

[0011] In an aspect of the present invention, the post has at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.

[0012] In an aspect of the present invention, a post end of the coupling has an opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of channels formed in opposing sides of the post. In an aspect of the present invention, an attachable component end of the coupling has a second opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.

[0013] In an aspect of the present invention, the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.

[0014] In an aspect of the present invention, the attachable component end of the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the attachable component. In an aspect of the present invention, the pair of protrusions complements the shape of the re-entrant portions of the channel formed in the attachable component.

[0015] Using a single-piece coupling enables a fence frame to be assembled quickly. Furthermore, the post is much stronger than other posts such as 4×4 cedar posts, yet weighs much less, enabling the posts to be set further apart. As well, the dovetail-shaped channels provide added strength to the post while providing an adjustable fence element.

[0016] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0018]FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a post and coupling combination in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a post and coupling combination in accordance with the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a coupling;

[0021]FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a coupling;

[0022]FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of a coupling;

[0023]FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of a coupling;

[0024]FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a hinge joined to a post;

[0025]FIG. 8 illustrates a top plan view of a hinge joined to a post;

[0026]FIG. 9 illustrates a front elevation view of an anchoring spike;

[0027]FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation view of an anchoring bracket;

[0028]FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of an anchoring bracket;

[0029]FIG. 11a illustrates a side view of a fence utilizing an embodiment of the post and coupling combination;

[0030]FIG. 11b illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a fence frame at a rail/post connection point along the line A-A of FIG. 11a;

[0031]FIG. 11c illustrates a side view of a fence frame at a rail/post connection point along the line B-B of FIG. 11b;

[0032]FIG. 11d illustrates a cross-sectional view of a support;

[0033]FIG. 11e illustrates a cross-sectional view of a coupling;

[0034]FIG. 11f illustrates a view of the coupling along the line C-C of FIG. 11e;

[0035]FIG. 11g illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the fence frame at a post/rail connection point along line D-D of FIG. 11a;

[0036]FIG. 11h illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a terminal coupling;

[0037]FIG. 11i illustrates a top view of a further embodiment of a coupling; and

[0038]FIG. 11j illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the fence frame at a post/rail connection point along line D-D of FIG. 11a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] The present invention is directed to a post and coupling combination. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the combination includes a post 12 having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel 14 of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post 12 with each channel 14 extending substantially parallel to the post's 12 longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling 16 engaged, at a post end 17 of the coupling 16, within one of the re-entrant channels 14 and adjustable along the channel 14 for joining an attachable component 18 to the post 12 such that the attachable component 18 is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post 12.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, in an embodiment of the present invention, the post end 17 of the coupling 16 has a spaced pair of protrusions 20 extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the at least one channel 14 in the post 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusions 20 complement the shape of the re-entrant portions of the at least one channel 14 in the post 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling 16 is further engaged, at an attachable component end 19 of the coupling 16, with an elongate channel 14 of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component 18 and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's 18 longitudinal axis such that the attachable component 18 and the post 12 are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the attachable component end 19 of the coupling 16 has a second spaced pair of protrusions 20 extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel 14 formed in the attachable component 18.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 11b, in an embodiment of the present invention, the post 12 has at least three sides with at least one elongate channel 14 formed in at least two sides of the post 12 with each channel 14 extending substantially parallel to the post's 12 longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling 16 engaged, at a post end 17 of the coupling 16, with a pair of elongate channels 14 formed in opposing sides of the post 12 and adjustable along the channel 14 for joining an attachable component 18 to the post 12 such that the attachable component 18 is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post 12.

[0043] As further illustrated in FIG. 11b, in an embodiment of the present invention, a post end 17 of the coupling 16 has an opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms 22 adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of channels 14 formed in opposing sides of the post 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, an attachable component end 19 of the coupling 16 has a second opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms 22 adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels 14 formed in opposing sides of the attachable component 18 and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's 18 longitudinal axis such that the attachable component 18 and the post 12 are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling 16 is further engaged, at an attachable component end 19 of the coupling 16, with an elongate channel 14 of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component 18 and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's 18 longitudinal axis such that the attachable component 18 and the post 12 are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the attachable component end 19 of the coupling 16 has a spaced pair of protrusions 20 extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel 14 formed in the attachable component 18. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of protrusions 20 complement the shape of the reentrant portions of the channel 14 formed in the attachable component 18.

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the attachable component 18 can include a rail 26, barrier section 28, hinge 30 or latch.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 9 in an embodiment of the present invention, the post 12 further includes an anchoring spike 32 at a first end 34 adapted for driving into ground, and at a second opposing end 36 having a square tube 38 adapted to fit inside the hollow of the post 12 for receiving the post 12 once driven into ground. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 in an embodiment of the present invention, the post 12 further includes an anchoring bracket 40 at a first end 42 adapted for setting into concrete, and at a second opposing end 44 having a square tube 46 adapted to fit inside the hollow of the post 12 for receiving the post 12 once set into concrete.

[0048] The post 12 and coupling 16 are made from suitable material such as aluminum or high-density plastic. A section of a fence frame can be constructed utilizing embodiments of the present invention by employing two or more posts 12 separated by rails 26 and joined by couplings 16. The couplings 16 can be adjusted along the length of the post 12 while remaining engaged with the post 12. The channels 14 are preferably dovetail-shaped channels 14 as seen in cross-section extending the length of the post 12 generally parallel to the post axis.

[0049] After the posts 12 are set into the ground, top and bottom rails 26 can be fitted with couplings 16 at intervals generally equal to the spacing of the posts 12, and adjusted to a desired position along the posts 12. Once a rail 26 is in its desired location along the post 12, the coupling 16 can be secured to the post 12 with any suitable fastening means including an adhesive, or a setscrew 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, to prevent further movement of the coupling 16 along the post 12.

[0050] Since over time posts 12 can be displaced vertically causing misalignment of the rails 26, the present invention allows the fasteners securing the coupling 16 to the post 12 to be removed to enable the coupling 16 to be re-adjusted along the post 12 to realign the rail 26 while remaining engaged with the post 12. Once the coupling 16 is re-positioned, the fasteners can be reapplied to again secure the rail 26 to the post 12. Preferably, this is done with a fastener such as a setscrew 50 to prevent the coupling 16 from moving downwards through the channel 14 along the post 12 by placing the fastener just below the coupling 16, thereby restricting the coupling's 16 movement down the post 12.

[0051] In a wood rail embodiment of the coupling 16, the coupling 16 includes two flat arms extending from the base of the coupling 16 for attaching a wood rail. The coupling 16 can then join a post 12 with a wood rail, such as a two-by-four or other dimensioned lumber suitable for framing a fence. The wood rail can be secured between the two flat arms of the coupling 16 with any suitable fastening means, such as an appropriate adhesive material or setscrews 50.

[0052]FIG. 11a illustrates a fence 110 framed by a series of rails 26 and posts 12. In the embodiment shown, two rails 26 are provided, an upper rail 111 and lower rail 113. The rails 26 are used to support a barrier section 28 across the length of the fence 110 thus partitioning two areas physically. The posts 12 are secured to a base or into the ground utilizing known techniques.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 11b through 11 f, a fence frame is constructed utilizing the embodiment of the invention shown with an elongate rail 26 and an elongate post 12 joined by a coupling 16. In the embodiment shown, the coupling 16 engages the post 12 utilizing a pair of arms 22 extending from the base of the coupling 16. The arms 22 may be slidably adjusted along the length of the post 12 while remaining engaged to the post 12. The arms 22 in the embodiment shown engage an elongate post interface profile found on opposing surfaces of the post 12. The post interface profiles in the embodiment shown are dovetail channels 14 running the length of the post 12 basically parallel to the post axis where each arm 22 includes a small ridge or hook secured to the proximate lip of each opposing channel 14. While the embodiment shown includes a post 12 with opposing elongate channels to allow the coupling arms 20 to engage the post 12, other elongate interface profiles will allow the arms 22 to engage the outside surface of the post 12. These would include but are not limited to other suitable opposing channels, rims running along opposing surfaces of the post, protrusions on opposing surfaces of the post or any other elongate feature on the post running parallel to the post axis that will allow the arms 22 to engage the post 12. It is also important that the arms are able to slidably adjust along the length of the post.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 11c, the rail 26 is joined to the coupling 16 via the side of the base of the coupling 16 opposing the side with the extending arms 22. The base engages the rail 26 through an elongate rail interface profile as shown. The rail interface profile in the embodiment shown is an elongate dovetailed channel 14 where the base of the coupling 16 is a dovetail in cross section sized to positively engage the channel 14. Note that the rail 26 is allowed to slidably adjust through the interface between the rail 26 and coupling 16. Thus the coupling 16 between the rail 26 and post 12 allows the rail and post to enjoy mutual adjustability relative to each other.

[0055] Note that other suitable rail and coupling profiles may be utilized for engaging the base of the coupling 16 to the rail 26. For example, the rail profile could be another suitable channel or a protrusion running parallel to the rail axis where the base of the coupling 16 would be shaped to slidably and positively engage the profile used on the rail 26.

[0056]FIG. 11d illustrates a support that can be utilized as both a rail 26 and a post 12, where, referring to FIG. 11c the base of the coupling 16 engages the same elongate interface profile on the rail 26 as each arm 22 of the coupling 16 engages on the post 12. That is, lengths of the support can be divided up where some can be utilized as posts 12 and some utilized as rails 26. Rails 26 and posts 12 are, in the result, the same cross-section and, therefore, interchangeable.

[0057] Once the rail 26 is in place relative to the post 12 again noting that both the rail 26 and post 12 can be adjusted relative to each other once joined together with the coupling 16, the coupling 16 can then be secured to the post 12 with any suitable fastener including but not limited to setscrews 50, as illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 11d or a suitable adhesive.

[0058] The rail 26, post 12 and coupling 16 are made from any suitable material including but not limited to aluminum or high density plastic, however, aluminum is preferred.

[0059] Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11b through 11 d, the rail 26 includes a barrier surface with an opening 27 into a substantially hollow interior within the rail 26 to allow for a barrier section 28 to fit through the opening 27 such that the rail 26 supports it. Two interior elongate walls extending into the interior from the opening 27 may further support the barrier section 28. An elongate ridge 29 may be run along the inside wall of the rail 26 opposite the opening 27 to support the barrier section 28. The ridge 29 is important where the barrier section 28 is wood as it raises the barrier section 28 off the base of the interior of the lower rail 113 thus avoiding contact between the barrier section 28 and any moisture that may accumulate in the lower rail 113.

[0060] The barrier section 28 may be selected from suitable material for the objective sought in regards to the fence to be built. That is, different material may depend on whether sounds reduction; privacy, aesthetic, security or a combination of these or a variety of other reasons provides the objective of building the fence. However, some such suitable material would include but is not limited to wood planks, sheets or boards, composite plastic and corrugated metal.

[0061] In practice, the embodiment described above and illustrated in FIGS. 11b through 11 f is put into practice where a series of lengths of rail 26 and post 12 are cut to desired lengths. This can be done from one or several lengths of support material where there is a desire for the post 12 and rails 26 to be interchangeable. The posts 12 are then set into the ground or base using techniques know in the art. The rails 26 are then fitted with couplings 16 at intervals approximately equal to the spacing of the posts 12. As the couplings 16 are slidably adjustable along the length of the rails 26, approximate equal spacing to the posts 12 is all that is required as the couplings 16 can be later more precisely adjusted. The bottom rail 113 is coupled to one or a series of posts 12 using the couplings 16 and slidably adjusted to a desired position along the posts 12. The couplings 16 are secured to the posts 12 using a setscrew 50 to fix the arms 22 to the posts 12. Barrier section 28 is then placed into the opening 27 in the bottom rail 113. The top rail 111 is fitted over the barrier section 28 through the opening 27 in this rail 111 and, at the same time, engaged to the posts 12 utilizing the coupling 16. Once the top rail 111 is in its desired location along the post 12 and supporting the barrier section 28, the couplings 16 engaged to the top rail 111 are secured to the posts 12 with setscrews 50 to prevent further movement of the arms 22 along the post 12. If desired, the rails 26 may also be slidably adjusted through the coupling 16 once joined to the post 12.

[0062] Over years of use of a fence vertical movement of the posts 12 can take place causing misalignment of the rails 26. When this happens, the present invention allows the fasteners securing the arms 22 to the posts 12 to be removed thereby allowing the coupling 16 to slidably adjust along the posts 12 while remaining engaged to the posts 12 realigning the rails 26. Once the arms 22 are re-positioned, the fasteners can be reapplied securing the rails 26 to the posts 12.

[0063] While the embodiment discussed above contemplates the arms 22 of the coupling 16 engaging the post 12 while the base of the coupling 16 engages the rails 26, the opposite configuration may also be used. That is, referring to FIGS. 11d through 11 f, where FIG. 11d illustrates a support that may be utilized as a post 12 or a rail 26, the arms 22 of the coupling 16 may be used to engage each opposing elongate rail interface profile while the base of the coupling 16 would positively engage one elongate post interface profile. In FIG. 11d each opposing elongate rail interface profile and the elongate post interface profile are both dovetailed channels 14 as shown in this embodiment, however, as mentioned in the embodiment discussed above, both the post and rail interface profiles may be other suitable elongate channel designs, protrusions, rims or other elongate features that would allow the coupling 16 to slidably engage the rail 26 and post 12. In any event, once positioned the coupling 16 is secured to the post 12 using a fastener that would prohibit vertical movement of the coupling 16 along the post 12.

[0064] Where the coupling base is engaged to the interface profile found on the posts 12 freeing the arms 22 to engage a rail member 26, alternative methods of utilizing the arms 22 to engage the rail 26 can be practiced. While, as discussed above, the coupling arms 22 may be used to engage opposing interface profiles on the rail 26, the arms 22 may also be used to engage the rail 26 in other ways.

[0065] One such method considers a coupling 16 that terminates the fence frame. Referring to FIGS. 11g and 11 h, the base of the terminal coupling is shaped to engage the elongate interface profile found on the post 12. In the embodiment shown, the interface profile is a dovetail channel 14 and, as such, the base of the terminal coupling is a protrusion to positively engage the dovetail channel 14. However, as discussed above, the interface profile may be a different channel shape or a protrusion where the terminal coupling would positively engage the profile. The coupling 16 may be adjusted parallel to the post axis through the dovetail channel 14. Once positioned the coupling 16 is secured to the post 12. Preferably, this is done with a fastener that may be but is not limited to a setscrew 50, adhesive or other suitable material, to prevent the coupling 16 from moving downwards through the channel 14 along the post 12. The setscrew 50 or other suitable fastener may be placed just below the coupling 16 thereby restricting its movement down the post 12.

[0066] Two terminal arms extend from the base of the coupling 16. The terminal arms are separated by a width that would allow the arms to fit snugly into an opening at the ends of the rail 26. The rail 26 is secured to the arms of the coupling 16 with a fastener that can be a setscrew 50 or suitable adhesive. Where the fastener is a screw it is bored through the external portion of the rail 26 to secure the arms of the coupling 16.

[0067] The coupling 16 of an additional embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11i and 11 j. Here, a wood rail coupling is introduced that includes two flat arms extended from the base. The coupling 16 joins a post 12 with a wood rail such as a two by four or other rail suitable for framing a fence. The base of the coupling is a suitable shape to positively engage the elongate interface profile of the post 12. In the embodiment shown, the elongate interface profile is a dovetail channel 14 where the base of the wood rail coupling is an appropriate dovetail protrusion for positively engaging the channel 14, however, as with the other embodiments discussed above, the elongate interface profile may be but is not limited to other channel designs or protrusions where the base would be shaped such that it could engage the post 12.

[0068] Once the coupling 16 is in position along the post 12, it is secured to the post 12. This can be done with any suitable fastener including a suitable adhesive material or a tap screw secured beneath the coupling 16 on the post 12 to prevent the coupling 16 from sliding down the post 12 due to gravity. The end of a wood rail is then slid between the arms of the coupling 16 and secured to the arms when in position thus providing a fence frame or a series of more or less horizontal fence panels. The wood rail can be secured between the arms of the coupling 16 with any suitable fasteners such as an appropriate adhesive material or, as is the case in the embodiment illustrated, setscrews 50.

[0069] Using a single-piece coupling 16 enables a fence frame to be assembled quickly. Furthermore, the post 12 is much stronger than other posts such as 4×4 cedar posts, yet weighs much less, enabling the posts 12 to be set further apart. As well, the dovetail-shaped channels 14 provide added strength to the post 12 while providing an adjustable fence element.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A post and coupling combination comprising: a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.
 2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the post end of the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the at least one channel in the post.
 3. The combination according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions complement the shape of the re-entrant portions of the at least one channel in the post.
 4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
 5. The combination according to claim 4, wherein the attachable component end of the coupling has a second spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the attachable component.
 6. The combination according to claim 5, wherein the second pair of protrusions complements the shape of the re-entrant portions of the channel formed in the attachable component.
 7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein an attachable component end of the coupling has a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
 8. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the attachable component is a rail.
 9. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the attachable component is a hinge.
 10. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the component is a latch.
 11. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each channel is dovetail-shaped as seen in cross-section.
 12. The combination according to claim 1, further including an anchoring spike adapted at a first end for driving into ground, and adapted at a second opposing end for receiving the post once driven into ground.
 13. The combination according to claim 12, wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit within the inside of an end of the post.
 14. The combination according to claim 12, wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit over the outside of an end of the post.
 15. The combination according to claim 1, further including an anchoring bracket adapted at a first end for setting into concrete, and adapted at a second opposing end for receiving the post once set into concrete.
 16. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit within the inside of an end of the post.
 17. The combination according to claim 15, wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit over the outside of an end of the post.
 18. The combination according to claim 1, further including a protective coating on at least part of the inside surface of the post to prolong the durability of the post.
 19. A post and coupling combination comprising: a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.
 20. The combination according to claim 19, wherein a post end of the coupling has an opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of channels formed in opposing sides of the post.
 21. The combination according to claim 20, wherein an attachable component end of the coupling has a second opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
 22. The combination according to claim 19, wherein the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.
 23. The combination according to claim 22, wherein the attachable component end of the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the attachable component.
 24. The combination according to claim 23, wherein the pair of protrusions complements the shape of the re-entrant portions of the channel formed in the attachable component.
 25. A kit of parts for a post and coupling combination, the kit comprising: a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.
 26. A kit of parts for a post and coupling combination, the kit comprising: a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.
 27. A post and coupling combination for use in building elements of a fence, the combination comprising: a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.
 28. A post and coupling combination for use in building elements of a fence, the combination comprising: a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post. 